I'm visiting northern Minnesota right now - as I do every year at this time. It's particularly difficult to pack for this time of year up here because - well, the first day it was 80 degrees and today it's 50! Needless to say, I brought just about everything that my girls and I own! Even though it's only 50 degrees today - and raining - I went out to walk. I did a 4 1/2 mile walk - the plan was to do 9 miles, but my mother got concerned about me in the "nasty weather" and sent my aunt to pick me up!! It's funny: you can be as grown up as you like with your own family, a job, a car, a house, life insurance, school fees to pay, whatever!-- but you will still go right back to being 10 when you "go home." Anyway, it would have been much easier to just lay around and stay in my warm, fuzzy jammies, but it was important - for my health and for my girls to see - that I got some exercise today - and every day. It doesn't have to be 4 1/2 miles - just get up and dance with your kids. Go for a short walk, a bike ride, go swimming, laugh until you feel your abs, roll down a hill, or just do some stretching - and be sure your kids see you doing it!

Aside for it being good for my health and for me to model this behavior for my children, I'm walking in a 30-miles MS Challenge Walk in Williamsburg in September.  I'm officially "in training"!  Never thought I'd say that.  It's actually fun.  And I can't believe the change in my body - QUICKLY.  I have calf muscles - me - calf muscles.  And I think there's less of me to be viewed from the back!!  YIPPEE  - bonus!

The point is - get out there, have some fun and be a great role model for your girls.  Let us know what you're doing to get exercise with your girls this summer.

Kathy